Fly Rods
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.
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A narrow, brushy tailwater below Clark Canyon Dam known for large trout.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Beaverhead River for rainbow trout and brown trout. The best months overall are Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov. In October, rainbow trout and brown trout are in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 10 shops within 60 miles (6 fly, 4 bait and tackle); the closest is Frontier Anglers in Dillon, 2 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Big Hole River is 35 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov
In October
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Methods
Fly fishing
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Beaverhead River Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
9 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Parachute Adams #12-20
FlyDry Fly · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyBlue-Winged Olive #16-22
FlyDry Fly · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyPheasant Tail Nymph #14-20
FlyNymph · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyPat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyWoolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyHare's Ear Nymph #12-18
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlySan Juan Worm #10-14
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout · After rain.
Shop This FlyEgg Pattern #8-16
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlySculpin Streamer #2-6
FlyStreamer · Brown Trout · Low light and fall.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Rainbow Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, weight-forward floating line, 9 ft 4X to 5X leader. Add a sink-tip and 3X for streamers.
Spin / Cast 6 to 7 ft ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000 to 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb mono or fluorocarbon.
Brown Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 or 6 wt rod, floating line for dries and nymphs, sink-tip with 0X to 2X for streamers.
Spin / Cast 6.5 to 7 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 to 8 lb line. Jerkbaits and inline spinners.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Beaverhead River
Fly Rods
Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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RIO Gold Fly Line
A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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RIO Tapered Trout Leaders
Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Beaverhead River
Bait & Tackle
Flatline Outfitters
Twin Bridges, Montana· 25 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Twin Bridges, MT.
Bait & Tackle
Stonefly Outfitters
Twin Bridges, Montana· 26 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Twin Bridges, MT.
Make It a Trip
Nearby Water
Rivers & Streams · Montana · 35 mi
Big Hole River
A freestone river in southwest Montana with a famous salmonfly hatch and native Arctic grayling.
Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout
Rivers & Streams · Montana · 44 mi
Madison River
Fifty-mile riffle famous for salmonfly hatches and wild browns and rainbows below Hebgen and Quake Lakes.
Brown trout · Rainbow trout · Mountain whitefish
Rivers & Streams · Montana · 70 mi
Gallatin River
A fast, scenic freestone through Gallatin Canyon near Bozeman and Big Sky.
Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout